Hillside Missionary Church
Hillside Missionary Church - 12/6/20 Service
Whether you’re a guest or a long-time attendee we’re glad you’re here with us. We’re a friendly and caring group of Christians who are here to help people be CONNECTED with Jesus, CHANGED by Jesus, and COMMITTED to the mission of Jesus. If you're new with us today, thank for joining us! We truly believe that you’re not here by accident and that God has some amazing plans for your life. If you’d like some information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside, please fill out the “I’m New” page on our website, hmcworship.com/im-new/
Locations & Times
21567 Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614, USA
Thursday 9:30 PM
In this passage of God’s Word we see the conclusion to the story of Esther. As momentous as this conclusion is, it’s difficult not to ask the question of, “why did all of this have to happen in the first place”? By taking a look at the end of this story, we can learn what we should do when we ask that very question to God about our own lives.
When you ask God, “why?” remember:
1. God is working all things out for our good
Esth. 8:1-2, Rom. 8:28
2. Faith has a particular opportunity to grow through difficult times
Esth. 8:15-17, James 1:2
3. God cares enough about us to point us towards Himself
John 6:44, 2 Pet. 3:9
When you ask God, “why?” remember:
1. God is working all things out for our good
Esth. 8:1-2, Rom. 8:28
2. Faith has a particular opportunity to grow through difficult times
Esth. 8:15-17, James 1:2
3. God cares enough about us to point us towards Himself
John 6:44, 2 Pet. 3:9
Reflection Questions
1. After taking a look at the end of the book of Esther, what stands out to you the most? If you’re familiar with the story, did you notice anything that you haven’t noticed before? What stood out to you the most throughout our series through this book? What is one thing you will never forget about the book of Esther because of this series?
2. Many people’s faith grew because of what happened in the book of Esther. This is especially evident in Esther 8:15-17. Has your faith ever grown because of difficult circumstances that were happening in your life?
3. God had to arrange a lot to happen throughout the story of Esther in order for the story to end as it did. Have you ever stopped to think about how God has arranged for the circumstances in your life to point you towards Him? List out all of the details that God had to arrange in order for Him to point you towards Himself. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for caring enough about you to arrange for those things to happen.
4. Even though God is never directly mentioned in the book of Esther, it is extremely evident that He is working through the book to draw people closer Himself. How is God working in your life right now to draw you closer to Himself? What practical step(s) can you take to faithfully respond to God in this season of your life? Who will keep you accountable to that?
1. After taking a look at the end of the book of Esther, what stands out to you the most? If you’re familiar with the story, did you notice anything that you haven’t noticed before? What stood out to you the most throughout our series through this book? What is one thing you will never forget about the book of Esther because of this series?
2. Many people’s faith grew because of what happened in the book of Esther. This is especially evident in Esther 8:15-17. Has your faith ever grown because of difficult circumstances that were happening in your life?
3. God had to arrange a lot to happen throughout the story of Esther in order for the story to end as it did. Have you ever stopped to think about how God has arranged for the circumstances in your life to point you towards Him? List out all of the details that God had to arrange in order for Him to point you towards Himself. Spend some time in prayer thanking God for caring enough about you to arrange for those things to happen.
4. Even though God is never directly mentioned in the book of Esther, it is extremely evident that He is working through the book to draw people closer Himself. How is God working in your life right now to draw you closer to Himself? What practical step(s) can you take to faithfully respond to God in this season of your life? Who will keep you accountable to that?
How to Give
Feel free to give online on our website, hmcworship.com or snail mail a check to the church building at 21567 Ireland Rd. South Bend, IN. 46614. You can also give during our in-person services, via the box on the wall located near the entrance.
Directory
If you would like to continue connecting with your church family but need people’s contact information to do that, we’d love to get that information to you! We have complied an “online-friendly,” updated version of our directory. In order to protect people’s information, we are not posting it online, though. Instead, simply contact us and we will send it to you. We can also print a paper version off if that would be easier for you. Please contact Pastor Josh for more information.
Current Prayer Requests
CHURCH FAMILY HEALTH NEEDS: Pray for Randy and Connie as they face uncertainty with their job situations. Pray for Bonnie Jamrozy, who was recently hospitalized because of a blood infection. Pray for Dorothy Lubbers, who was hospitalized recently due to heart attack.
MISSIONARIES: This month pray for the Bellas in Hungry.
FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Barb Beutler.
HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our online service, and for the people joining us there. Pray that God would use us to bring His Kingdom here. Pray for the foster closet, as they are helping a new foster closet as they are currently in need of more volunteers.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for the current health pandemic in our world and in our country. Pray for medical staff and for our leaders as they navigate how to best help. Pray for our teachers and school administrators. Pray for the unrest and divisions in our country. Pray for our leaders, current and future.
MISSIONARIES: This month pray for the Bellas in Hungry.
FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Barb Beutler.
HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our online service, and for the people joining us there. Pray that God would use us to bring His Kingdom here. Pray for the foster closet, as they are helping a new foster closet as they are currently in need of more volunteers.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for the current health pandemic in our world and in our country. Pray for medical staff and for our leaders as they navigate how to best help. Pray for our teachers and school administrators. Pray for the unrest and divisions in our country. Pray for our leaders, current and future.
Numbers
Attendance for 11/29/20 Service
In-person: 35
Online Views (through 12/2): 31
Giving
Online (11/23-11/29): $295 for general fund
In-Person on 11/29: $322 for general
Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1,575
In-person: 35
Online Views (through 12/2): 31
Giving
Online (11/23-11/29): $295 for general fund
In-Person on 11/29: $322 for general
Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1,575
In-Person Service Update
Thank you for your continual faithfulness and flexibility during these times. We especially appreciate those 8+ years old wearing their mask when not seated 6+ feet away from those outside of their household. Please remember, no offering plates will be passed; instead we ask you to give online or via the giving box near the gym entrance. Tables are set up in the back row of the gym for families with young children. We also kindly ask you to use the restroom before you come to ensure that our restrooms are as clean as possible for those who need to use them.
Small Group
If you’re looking to go deeper with what Pastor Josh preaches on Sunday mornings or just looking for some extra fellowship time with your church family, then please consider joining a small group! Contact Pastor Josh.